The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is set to celebrate Women Entrepreneurship Day (WED) on November 19, 2024, in an event that will honor the contributions of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan’s economy. In a ceremony led by SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad, the event will bring together leading figures from banking institutions, non-bank financial institutions, and women’s business associations to highlight the role of women-led businesses in the country’s economic landscape. The day-long celebrations aim to empower women entrepreneurs, advocate for increased access to financial resources, and inspire more women to enter and thrive in Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
This year’s celebration of Women Entrepreneurship Day will include recognition awards for financial institutions that have shown a strong commitment to providing loans to women entrepreneurs. High-performing banks will be acknowledged for their efforts to facilitate female-led businesses, while awards will also be given to standout women entrepreneurs across various business categories. This gesture underscores SBP’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment where women can innovate, create jobs, and significantly drive economic growth.
Events will take place both in-person and virtually, spanning several cities across Pakistan to ensure widespread access and participation. In collaboration with commercial banks, the SBP will promote financial literacy and offer tailored banking products aimed at women-owned enterprises. Among the activities planned, there will be specialized workshops, awareness campaigns on SBP’s small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) financing options, and mentorship programs to empower aspiring women entrepreneurs.
This initiative aligns with the global Women Entrepreneurship Day movement, which advocates for recognizing women’s significant economic contributions worldwide. Although women play a crucial role in economic growth, many still face barriers in accessing finance and other business opportunities. With its celebration of WED, the SBP aims to address these obstacles by creating awareness, enhancing financing options, and providing mentorship opportunities that can make a tangible difference in women’s entrepreneurial journeys.
Through events like Women Entrepreneurship Day, the SBP and its partners are not only celebrating achievements but also strengthening the support framework for women in business. This commitment reflects the SBP’s broader strategy to encourage women’s participation in the economy, highlighting their potential to influence and uplift Pakistan’s economic future.